Susanne Marie Knight (13 page)

“We have done what we could for the Weatherhavens. Now it is up to them.” David guided Bethany close to him, so close she almost could feel the warmth of his body. “I have never seen my sister looking so solemn.”

A collision with another waltzing couple — this time the other gentleman was at fault — propelled her against David’s solid chest. While David handled the polite apologies, Bethany burned even hotter. For that moment, she felt as if she’d melded into him as if…as if…their evening apparel had suddenly melted away.

She patted the top of her exposed bosom to regain her composure.

“Bethany, I — ”

She looked up into his face, but he didn’t continue. His brilliant blue-eyed gaze was riveted on her hand and her bosom.

“David?”

“Hmmn?” With a start, he raised his gaze and grinned. “Pardon me, I suppose I was captivated with the view.”

“David!” Had she heard correctly?

“I told the truth, Bethany. No dissembling.” He tightened his hold around her waist, pressing her closer. His voice grew husky. “I always prefer honesty to deceit. What are your preferences?”

The time was now. She could not delay any longer. She had to own up to her duplicity.

But she couldn’t think clearly so near to him. She pulled back, placing more distance between them. “David, I must talk with you about what I have been doing. About Prince Augustus. About my book.”

A shuttered expression froze David’s face. “Will it be the truth, Bethany?”

“Yes, David.” More than anything, she wanted to get the full details of her secret out in the open.

The waltz ended. He released her and made a bow. “Then I will listen.”

She couldn’t ask for more than that.

“Our guests will not notice if we leave for a few minutes.” He extended his arm. “Come with me.”

They made their way through the multitude of partygoers, past the purple velvet chairs lining the walls and through the magnificent double doors. Without talking, she knew exactly where they were headed — to the private alcove situated under the main staircase.

But when they arrived, the alcove was already occupied. She and David had the embarrassing circumstance of interrupting his sister and Lord Weatherhaven in the throes of a passionate embrace.

“Gracious!” Petunia blushed. She pulled away from her husband and straightened the décolleté neckline on her ball gown. “Weatherhaven and I were, ah, just getting reacquainted.”

“That is glaringly apparent, Pet.” David spoke firmly, but the corner of his mouth twitched. “Weatherhaven, would it not be best if you continue your reacquaintance with your wife in the privacy of your own residence?”

Lord Weatherhaven stood, then extended his hand to Petunia. His distinguished face was a shade rosier than normal. “Yes, of course. My wife and I were just…That is to say…”

“Bethany and I are well aware of what you were doing.” David’s voice held a hint of laughter.

Petunia took her husband’s hand and rose to her feet. She shook her finger at her brother. “Pish tosh, David. You cannot scold me. I am no longer in leading strings, as you must know. You cannot exercise any power over me now.”

David lifted an eyebrow.

His sister ignored him. She cast an adoring gaze at her husband. “Weatherhaven and I…we may, I mean, I am not certain, but it is quite possible we may be expecting an interesting event in the springtime.”

Bethany wasted no time. She enveloped Petunia in a hug. How very exciting!

David slapped his brother-in-law on the back. “My advice to you, Weatherhaven, is to visit Paris together as you had planned, before, er, waiting too long.”

Both Weatherhavens blushed, then with eagerness in their steps took their leave.

And that left Bethany and David alone in the dimness of the alcove.

He looked over at her. “Shall we take up where they left off?”

Surely he meant sitting, as opposed to…well, violent lovemaking.

She sat on the bench, smoothed out the soft material of her ball gown, then primly folded her hands in her lap. “We have a few things to discuss, David. Although I must say I am gratified that you can still jest with me. Especially after knowing about my dishonesty.”

He took a seat beside her and reached for her hand. He sandwiched it in between his own. “What if I am not speaking in jest?”

Goodness me!
She blinked rapidly, her mouth dropped open and her mind buzzed with a thousand questions all at the same time.

Dare she hope? Did David intend to propose marriage?

Bethany’s dewy eyes, shiny lips, and provocatively curved bosom tempted David past all reason. While he gathered the strength to speak what was on his mind, she remained quiet.

“Bethany, these past few days, I have grappled with my conscience. When I came across your writings — ”

“David.” She placed her finger upon his lips for a moment, then dropped her hands in her lap. “Allow me to explain. I was privileged to care for Great Aunt Cordelia for five years, starting when I was but six and ten. Sometimes, the duties grew rather tedious, especially for a girl as young as I was. To amuse myself, I created stories, thereby escaping the monotony through my writing.”

He listened, captivated by the modulation of Bethany’s musical voice and by the way the shadows from the alcove’s dim lights hovered and danced upon her adorable face.

“It was a harmless outlet,” she continued. “I never intended to approach a book publisher until the realization finally dawned on me that Great Aunt Cordelia would not live forever. I had to find some means to support myself. As you know, women are expected to wed. But in the village of Bamburgh, opportunities to marry are scarce.”

Bethany gazed at him, then looked away. “Nor was I eager to marry just to secure a home. So my plan was to earn a living. Being an author is quite an honorable profession, you know. Just look at Ann Radcliffe and my favorite author, you know, the one who wrote
Pride and Prejudice
.”

David shifted position on the bench. He had procured a copy of that anonymous author’s latest book,
Emma,
from Hatchards, but had not yet had the chance to present it to Bethany. Perhaps later tonight.

“Then came the heavenly blessing of your mother’s offer to be her houseguest.” Bethany glanced at him from under her lashes. “I cannot impose upon your family’s kindness indefinitely, David. Nor did I arrive in London with that intention. I still had my plan to write for profit I was well aware you would disapprove. That you would be scandalized. That pursuing my writing would give you a disgust of me.”

She lowered her head. “I am ashamed that I disrespected you in this fashion.”

With his finger, David nudged her chin up. “What about the Duke of Sussex?”

She did not hesitate. “Prince Augustus is an amazing man. After our talk at the Duchess of Margrove’s ball, he was able to discern my desire to write. He also was of the mind that you would not approve, so he offered to be my mentor.”

“And perpetrate a hoax on me. This is an outrage.” David ground his teeth. How vexing that the duke gave Bethany something she desired, while David was sadly deficient in that area.

“Please, you mustn’t blame the Prince in any way. I blame myself for this noble dilemma. If I had been straightforward in my actions…” She sighed. “In any event, that is what I was doing at Carlton House. After I realized that you had discovered my work, I was…I am so ashamed. I begged off from my agreement with the Prince, and since then, I haven’t had the desire to write.”

Her pleading eyes were his undoing. He took her hands and clasped them in his. “Bethany, I cannot embrace your embarking on a career as an author. I find your character’s name, Innis, too closely resembling my own. Am I your model for that callous dandy?”

“No, not at first. I did begin the tale in Bamburgh, you know.” She fluttered her lashes. “I must confess, I have been confusing Lord Innis’ dark brown eyes with a sparkling blue pair. And my Lord Innis is not a callous dandy.”

“Ho. Am I destined to compete with a fictitious fop then?” David lifted her small hands to his lips, then kissed each fingertip. The speed of her breathing increased, which scattered his wits even further. He took a moment to steady himself. “Bethany, I do not wish to compete. My ardent desire is that I, and I alone, am to be the only hero for you.”

She smiled at him a little misty-eyed. “You
are
my hero, David. I have cared for no other.”

“I aim to keep it that way.” He screwed up his courage. “I love you, Miss Branford. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Oh, yes, David! Yes! I love you so very much. I thought, I feared — ”

Whatever she thought or feared must’ve been forgotten. She threw her arms around him and pressed so closely against him that he wished they were married already so they could adjourn upstairs to the bedroom.

Holding her in his arms was heaven, but he could not delay any longer for love’s sweetest kiss. He firmed his lips on hers, tasting honey, tasting wine.

His head spun, reveling in the promise of bliss with the future Countess of Ingraham.

It was with perfect contentment, joy, and appreciation that Bethany reentered the ballroom on her beloved’s arm. All her wishes here coming true and in such unexpected ways! She wanted everyone to partake of her happiness, but truly, how could there be anyone be as ecstatic as she?

David walked with her, weaving through the guests. He paused by an empty chair located near the fireplace, then took her hand. “Too much of a crush in here, I fear. Truth be told, I cannot see a blessed thing but you! Have a seat and I shall seek out my mother so we can give her our exceptional news. Do not get swallowed up in this crowd, my dear one. I am eager to continue where we just left off.”

After brushing her fingertips with his lips, he smiled down into her eyes, then continued making his way through the throng. As host, it was natural he was pressed into conversation with several of the guests. A noble gentleman stayed his hand for a chat, then a elder statesman bent David’s ear. And so on and so on.

Bethany sighed. By the look of things, he would not be allowed to speak to Lady Ingraham any time soon.

So Bethany should take on the task. She stood on tiptoe and surveyed the ballroom. Lady Ingraham’s distinctive auburn hair topped with three airy ostrich feathers in her toque was nowhere to be seen.

Unusual for the Countess to pass up the excitement of a party, especially since she was the official hostess.

Bethany took off in the opposite direction. Perhaps Lady Ingraham had repaired to her bedchamber.

Briskly walking through the corridor, Bethany approached the staircase. When she heard a sniff, she stopped to track down the sound.

The sniff came again — from the alcove.

She stepped inside. On the upholstered bench sat Lady Ingraham, bent over, elbows on her lap and her head resting in her hands. Her usually lively face had a woebegone look.

“Oh!” Lady Ingraham sprang into an upright position. “Oh, my child, I didn’t mean for you to see me in this deplorable condition.” She dabbed at her eyes with a dainty lace handkerchief.

“Lady Ingraham, whatever is troubling you?” Bethany sat next to the older woman, curving her arm around her patroness’ plump shoulders.

“Nonsense, that’s all it amounts to. Nothing of import, my child ’Tis about Fenwick, of course. Everyone warned me, but la, I was determined to believe the best of him.” Lady Ingraham blew a hanging feather out of her eyes, then uttered, “The swine! He took off with that so-called actress, Sally Lippincott.”

What could Bethany say? Randolph Fenwick wasn’t in the same league as the soon-to-be Dowager Countess of Ingraham. Perhaps this latest news and Petunia’s development might assuage the Countess’ sadness.

“Lady Ingraham, I want you to know that our ball is a success — in several ways. The most important one, indeed, the entire purpose for the ball, was to reunite Petunia and her husband.” Bethany paused to allow Lady Ingraham to divert her mind from her own troubles, then continued, “I am pleased to report that the Weatherhavens left here together. And a happier couple I have never seen.”

The Countess clapped her hands. “That is excessively pleasing news! I hoped they would heal their breach.”

“That is not all,” Bethany whispered in the woman’s ear. “It is not certain, however, Petunia believes…well, she thinks it is quite possible that she is with child.”

“My darling daughter?” Lady Ingraham jumped up and clapped her hands again. “My dearest Petunia in a delicate condition? Oh, my word! My word! I am in alt!”

Biting her lip, Bethany also stood. “It is not certain, my lady.”

“Pshaw! It must be so. T’would explain so much about my girl’s behavior. I shall start readying the nursery for our newest addition.”

She took a step to leave.

Bethany held the woman’s arm. “Surely not this instant, my lady?”

Lady Ingraham’s trill of laughter lightened the dim atmosphere in the alcove. “No, no, of course not. At the moment I’m engaged as hostess, you know. And what better way to entertain guests than to share one’s latest news with all and sundry?”

Bethany hated to cast a pall over Lady Ingraham’s delight, but someone had to. “The news isn’t official, my lady. Surely Petunia should be the one to announce it?”

The Countess tapped her finger against her chin, obviously thinking. “Just so. Just so. Then I shall have to come up with another tidbit, won’t I?”

Bethany accompanied the Countess back to the ballroom, then let the social butterfly flit from one society flower to another. Whatever tale Lady Ingraham had concocted held her audience’s interest. Good news spread fast and furiously.

Bethany had her own good news. Since the Countess had been successfully distracted from her woes, all Bethany wanted to do was bask in the glow of her new fiancé’s presence.

She looked about the room. Where was David?

Something grazed against her ear. Brushing her hand back, she came in contact with warm skin.

She twirled around. “David!”

“Yes, my dearest one.” He took her hand. “Come, the musicians will be playing a waltz again.”

“You wish me to waltz with you again?” She dimpled a smile. “Surely you know my reputation will be in tatters.”

“Perhaps.” He smiled back. “But not for long. We shall make our announcement shortly.”

As the beautiful music unfolded, she lost herself in wondrous sensations: David holding her, his masculine scent weaving through her, the scratchy feel of his wool tailcoat plus his broad shoulders beneath.

“I see you found my mother.” He swayed her around toward a partially vacant part of the room.

The hour was late. The mad crush had passed and guests were beginning to take their leave.

“Rumors circulated that my mother had fallen into the dismals with Fenwick’s defection,” David continued to whisper. “She appears cheery enough. I am pleased the rumors have proved false.”

His breath sent tingles down Bethany’s spine. She felt glorious, as if they were dancing on air.

She steadied her breathing. “Um, yes, I was able to divert your mother’s sad thoughts by telling her about the Weatherhavens.”

“And the grandchild, I will wager.”

“True. She was so happy, I did not have a chance to let her know about us.” Bethany leaned her forehead against the cord of his neck. “Besides, I thought we both should tell her.”

“Hmmm.” He kissed the top of her head, which sent waves of delight further down her spine.

For several moments, neither of them spoke. The rhythmic music of the waltz spoke for them.

Then David cleared his throat. “But what about Miss Hasbrouck?”

“Miss Hasbrouck? What do you mean, David?”

“I mean, will you gift your heroine with a happy ending as your favorite author did in her recent tome?” He lifted a book tucked away in his tailcoat and presented it to her.

It took her a second to register the name on the small book. There, inscribed in gold, were the letters:
Emma: a novel in three volumes.

He’d remembered her desire to read this book! Contentment flooded her from head to toe.

She flipped to the back of the book and skimmed the ending passages.

Bethany closed the book, then looked up at her husband-to-be. “Yes, David. To paraphrase
Emma,
Miss Hasbrouck and Lord Innis’ wishes, hopes and confidence will be fully answered in the perfect happiness of the union.” She smiled. “As will our union be perfectly happy.”

Although it was completely scandalous, David kissed her on the dance floor in the midst of all their guests.

Bethany could not have been happier.